Campbell James Cansdale's Story.
Campbell James Cansdale Walker was born in Chester in 1918, son of Campbell Gregory and Dorothy (née Cansdale)Walker and he was educated at the King's School, Chester from 1934 to 1937. After the start of the war he volunteered for RAF aircrew and trained as an Observer with the rank of Sergeant. He joined 143 Squadron RAF Coastal Command in mid 1941 as observer where he teamed up with pilot Joseph William Blennerhasset and the pair flew in Beaufighter fighters on shipping escort, interceptor, , Reconnaissance and anti shipping missions from bases in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Shetland islands. He was promoted from Sergeant to Pilot Officer (emergency) on 5 Dec 1941 and was posted to 248 squadron Coastal Command together with Blennerhassett on 12th January 1942.
248 Squadron Beaufighters
Walker and Blennerhassett were both killed on their first mission with 248 Squadron on 22nd January 1942 whilst on a reconnaissance mission along the Dutch coast when they were shot down by a German harbour defence boat. Walker’s body was recovered and he was buried at Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery. Blennerhassett’s body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the RAF memorial at Runnymede
Coastal Command Operation record. For unknown reasons the248 Squadron Operation record does not mention the loss of Walker and Blennerhassett
Walker's grave